The corridor to Adrian’s office stretched ahead, dimly lit and silent, save for the muffled sounds leaking through the thick door. Valentina held the folder tighter against her chest, her pulse steady. Another late night, another report Adrian needed before dawn.
As she approached, she slowed. Voices. Low, serious, and sharp enough to prick at her instincts.
"...he left Adrian no choice," one voice muttered ....familiar. Dante?
She froze, toes just shy of the doorway. The door wasn't fully closed. She shouldn’t listen but the mention of Adrian's name, laced with tension, glued her in place.
Another voice chimed in. Marco.
"The boss pulled the trigger because of the secret deal he made. You know that. We all do. If Adrian hadn't acted, we'd all be dead."
A pause. A rustle of papers. A
